Shanghai Xiao Long Pao Restaurant in Bangkok

Michael Babcock, January 15th, 2014

Shanghai Xiao Long Pao is a restaurant found on the 3rd floor at MBK Center in Bangkok. We first ate here when it was called Shanghai Happiness. Originally we thought the food was excellent but in December 2012 we ate there after the name change and were disappointed. In December 2013 we tried it again and were pleased.

Naturally, our main reason for eating here is to get the Shanghai Dumplings – Xiao Long Pao. We were pleasantly surprised by the dumplings this visit. Although I would not put them in the transcendental category, they were quite good. The dough was not too thick, reasonably pleasant looking in appearance and acceptable tasting (if just a bit soggy). The filling itself was quite flavorful. There was some broth that squirted out when we bit into the dumpling, though I would have liked a bit more; one of the dumplings was broken so had no broth at all – it should not have been served. I thought the accompanying dipping sauce, a flavorful combination including black vinegar and chopped ginger, was excellent. All in all, a good Xiao Long Pao – I’d give it 7 on a scale of 1 to 10.

When we first went in May 2011 (see previous blog), the dumplings were excellent. In December 2012, not very good at all. This time, in December 2013, they were again pretty good. I give a caveat that the quality here seems to vary; hope that you get here on a good day!

I was sorry to see that some of our old favorites were: no longer on the menu, particularly the Pan Fried Ham and Onion Cake, which was quite good.

Braised Pork

Chinese Kale

We very nearly always get a pork belly dish here. This time we got Braised Pork and Bamboo Shoots with Brown Sauce (shown above left). The pork belly is sliced thin (a bit too thin, I think) but it’s all there, including the (yummy) fatty portions. The sauce is tasty and the bamboo shoots are a nice complement.

Kasma was hungry for vegetables so we got the Chinese Kale with Spicy Minced Pork Sauce (shown above right). This may have been my favorite dish: the sauce was very flavorful and just a bit spicy.

Chinese Seaweed Rice

Taro in Coconut Milk Dessert

Alas, with just two of us eating, we were unable to order too many dishes. In addition to the 3 above, we ordered a bowl of “Chinese Seaweed Rice” (above left). This is the rice they serve with their “Chicken Rice.” It’s made a bit like a risotto, with plenty of delicious, healthy chicken fat. It’s very good.

We finished up with a dessert, Taro Balls in Coconut Milk (Bua Loi Peuak). A nice, not-too-sweet way to end the meal.

All in all, I hope to eat here again. I’d like to confirm that the Shanghai Dumplings remain good and try a few other dishes on the menu to see how good they are. I would give the restaurant a qualified recommendation at this point, pending further visits.

Restaurant Logo

Restaurant Sign

Look for these two signs on the outside of the restaurant. Also, check out our previous blog for more pictures of the outside as well as some of the inside, which remains unchanged since that original blog.

All of this blog pertains to the Shanghai Xiao Long Pao restaurant at MBK Center at 444 Phayathai Rd., Patumwan, Bangkok. MBK is pretty easy to get to since it’s within walking distance of the National Stadium skytrain station. The restaurant is found on the third floor in the Tokyu zone.